In Bloom, May
In Bloom This Month
Climbers dominate in the nicest possible way! Varieties of Clematis montana cover walls and pergolas with mounds of flowers, whilst a totally different evergreen Clematis armandii offers clusters of highly-scented white blooms. Early roses emerge on the south wall of the Rose Garden.
Meanwhile, up through the triple arches, green and variegated forms of the herbaceous forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla) are flowering, and so is the tall comfrey (symphytum) in purple and blue. Two notable shrubs, Viburnum opulus (white, lace cap flowers) and the highly scented lilac, are in full bloom but the stars of May are most definitely Malus 'Red Sentinel' and 'Evereste'. What a floral spectacle they make!
Tips For Your Garden
From Our Gardening Team
No matter how busy you are with all of the weeding, planting and watering of your garden take the time to look around and enjoy the garden at its best. It's all too easy to forget to revel in the pleasures because you are so caught up in all the hard work! Take the chance to visit other gardens too - you'll return inspired and enthused.
Now is the time to leave greenhouse doors open to harden off tender young plants and to plant tomatoes in the greenhouse border. It's worth staking your herbaceous perennials, dahlias also can be staked when you plant them out towards the end of the month. Train your roses and clematis - we swear by the flexi - tie available in The Garden's shop.
A second sowing of carrots, peas and beans should keep vegetable gardeners busy this month. Fruit trees require some attention too, check tree grafts, tie in peach shoots and don't forget to water newly planted trees. The spraying season begins now in earnest, pay particular attention to roses and fruit - the pay off will be in spades (pardon the pun).
Dead heading also becomes a regular feature in every gardener's day - we don't need to tell you that regular dead heading ensures beautiful blooms all summer long. |
